The Rise and Challenges of the Minnesota Vikings in 2024

An Unexpected Journey to 14 Wins

The Minnesota Vikings captured the attention of the NFL world in 2024 with their electrifying performances and unexpected success, finishing the regular season with a remarkable 14-3 record. This impressive campaign marked them as one of the league’s most entertaining teams to watch.

However, their accomplishments were overshadowed in the NFC North, as their Week 18 showdown against the Detroit Lions determined the division’s fate. The Lions emerged victorious in this high-stakes clash, finishing 15-2 and claiming both the division title and the NFC’s No. 1 seed.

A Disheartening End in the Playoffs

With their second-place finish, the Vikings entered the playoffs as the NFC’s fifth seed. Unfortunately, their postseason journey was cut short in the Wild Card Round, where they suffered a crushing 27-9 defeat to the NFC West champions, the Los Angeles Rams. This humbling exit left fans and analysts questioning what the future holds for the franchise.

Preparing for a Transformative Offseason

The offseason promises to be an eventful one for the Vikings, as nearly 45% of the team’s offensive and defensive snaps from 2024 belong to players set to hit the free agency market. This is the highest percentage in the NFL, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for the team’s management.

General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has significant resources at his disposal, with an estimated $61.534 million in cap space. This financial flexibility provides the Vikings with the ability to re-sign key contributors, while also exploring external options to strengthen the roster.

Potential Salary Cap Adjustments

To maximize their offseason strategy, the Vikings could consider restructuring several player contracts to create additional cap space. Another viable option is releasing certain players whose performances may not justify their current salaries. Below, we analyze five players who could be prime candidates for release based on their 2025 cap implications.

Josh Oliver – Tight End

• 2025 Cap Hit: $9,424,000
• Savings Before June 1: $5,152,000
• Savings After June 1: $8,000,000

Josh Oliver, known for his elite blocking abilities, is entering the final year of his three-year, $21 million contract signed in 2023. Despite his blocking prowess, Oliver’s limited offensive production—just 22 receptions for 258 yards in 2024—raises concerns about the value of his $9.424 million cap hit. Releasing him could free up substantial space for other investments.

Garrett Bradbury – Center

• 2025 Cap Hit: $6,064,000
• Savings Before June 1: $3,622,000
• Savings After June 1: $5,250,000

Bradbury has struggled to meet expectations as a former first-round pick, particularly in pass protection—a critical component of Minnesota’s pass-heavy offense. While he remains a solid run blocker, his liabilities in pass blocking make him a potential candidate for release.

Ed Ingram – Guard

• 2025 Cap Hit: $3,385,542
• Savings Before June 1: $3,000,000
• Savings After June 1: $3,000,000

Ingram lost his starting role midseason and didn’t play another offensive snap for the rest of the year. With minimal dead cap implications, releasing him would be a straightforward decision to improve the offensive line’s efficiency.

C.J. Ham – Fullback

• 2025 Cap Hit: $3,416,667
• Savings Before June 1: $2,650,000
• Savings After June 1: $2,650,000

Although a versatile player, Ham’s limited offensive usage—less than 24% of offensive snaps—makes his $3.416 million cap hit difficult to justify. His role on special teams, while valuable, may not be enough to warrant keeping him at this cost.

Brian Asamoah – Linebacker

• 2025 Cap Hit: $1,745,816
• Savings Before June 1: $1,453,207
• Savings After June 1: $1,453,207

Asamoah, a third-round pick in 2022, has failed to establish himself as a reliable contributor on defense. With limited playing time and a manageable dead cap hit, the Vikings could look to move on from the linebacker to create additional flexibility.

What Lies Ahead for the Vikings?

The Minnesota Vikings are at a crossroads as they enter a critical offseason. While they face tough decisions regarding player contracts and free agency, they also have an opportunity to build on their 2024 success.

By addressing key weaknesses, particularly on the offensive line, and making strategic moves in free agency, the Vikings could position themselves as serious contenders in 2025. With the right moves, the team can overcome their playoff disappointment and emerge stronger than ever in the NFC landscape.

The road ahead will be challenging, but for Vikings fans, there’s plenty of reason to remain optimistic about what’s to come.